The Council of the London Borough of Bromley was scheduled to consider recommendations for the appointment of Honorary Aldermen. This would have involved conferring the title on seven former councillors who were deemed to have met the criteria for service and contribution to the borough.

Admission of Honorary Aldermen

The Council was scheduled to consider recommendations from the General Purposes and Licensing Committee for the appointment of Honorary Aldermen. This honour is conferred upon individuals who have rendered a minimum of 12 years' service as a member of the London Borough of Bromley and have provided eminent or notable service. The report pack indicated that seven former councillors met these criteria and were recommended for the title.

The individuals scheduled to be considered for the title of Honorary Alderman were:

• Nicholas Bennett JP: Served from 2006 to 2026, including a term as Mayor (2019-20), Portfolio Holder for Transport, Highways and Road Safety (2022-26), and Chairman of the Standards Committee (2021-26).
• Peter Dean: Served from 2002 to 2026 and was Chairman of the Development Control Committee (2011-2018).
• Robert Evans: Served from 2006 to 2026 and was Portfolio Holder for Care Services (2011-2017).
• Dr David Jefferys: Served from 2011 to 2026, including a term as Mayor (2024-25) and Chairman of the Health & Wellbeing Board (2015-2024).
• Charles Joel: Served from 2002 to 2026, including a term as Mayor (2006-07) and Deputy Mayor (2003-04).
• Keith Onslow (Posthumous): Served from 2014 to 2025, including a term as Deputy Mayor (2023-24) and Chairman of the Pensions Committee (2017-25).
• Melanie Stevens: Served from 2014 to 2026, was Leader of the Biggin Hill Independent group (2018-25), and Vice-Chairman of the Standards Committee (2022-26).

The power to appoint honorary aldermen is contained within section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972.¹ The report noted that the appointment needed to be supported by at least two-thirds of those present at the meeting. The financial implications were described as minimal, relating to the provision of badges and certificates, with ongoing costs not applicable. The budget head for this was Mayoral Services, with a total current budget of £189k.

The report pack stated that the General Purposes and Licensing Committee had considered a report on the appointment of Honorary Aldermen at its meeting on 15th September 2026. The committee had decided that the seven former councillors met the criteria outlined in the Council's Honorary Alderman Scheme of Enrolment.

The report pack also included a table detailing the years of service and senior positions held by each of the former councillors recommended for the honour. For example, Nicholas Bennett JP had served for 20 years and held significant roles such as Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Transport, Highways and Road Safety. Peter Dean, who served for 24 years, was noted for his tenure as Chairman of the Development Control Committee. Dr David Jefferys, with 15 years of service, had also served as Mayor and Chairman of the Health & Wellbeing Board. Charles Joel, a former Mayor and Deputy Mayor, had served for 24 years. Keith Onslow, whose appointment was posthumous, had served for 11 years and held positions including Deputy Mayor and Chairman of the Pensions Committee. Melanie Stevens, who served for 12 years, was recognised for her leadership of the Biggin Hill Independent group and her role as Vice-Chairman of the Standards Committee.

The meeting was scheduled to be held at Bromley Civic Centre, Churchill Court, 2 Westmoreland Road, Bromley, BR1 1AS.²